Presenting Group Reports in First Grade

 In Reader's Workshop, students are working in small collaborative groups researching topics of their choosing. There are ocean animals, rainforest, butterflies and penguins being discussed. We are meeting the Common Core Standards in First Grade for "Speaking and Listening - Comprehension and Collaboration" by having the children choose their topic and discuss, listen, and comment with each other to prepare for a group report. It is amazing to see and hear the level of conversation that these six year old students are having.  Group presentations will begin next week so that they can share what they learned with the class.

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1b Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1c Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.

 Researching the life cycle of the butterfly.

 Whales are the topic with this group.

Working together for their presentation.

Charlotte's Web Artwork

In preparation for our field trip to the Florida Theater this week, we are reading a few chapters a day of "Charlotte's  Web" by E. B. White. The children are on the edge of their seats while listening to story of Wilber and Charlotte and beg for "just one more chapter."  Today it was raining all day so we decided that it would be a great time to do an art project of the spider and pig...just to brighten things up...and they sure put a smile on all of our faces!!

Cookin' Wednesday - Banana-Strawberry Smoothies

 On Wednesday, we decided to use the blender for a change and make smoothies. After a few technical difficulties...i.e. the blender wouldn't work, a new blender was brought in (Thanks Mrs. Davey) and the recipe was saved. Strawberries, vanilla yogurt, bananas, honey and orange juice made this an especially tasty smoothie.  

Twizzlers were used as straws which made it extra special.

How about seconds?

Valentine's Day Fun: Cards and an Ice Cream Social

 

 The children brought in their Valentine mail boxes this week. They came in all shapes, sizes and designs. This tank held lots of fun Valentine cards and candy and was a big hit with the boys.

This sampling of the girl's mailboxes shows lots of pink hearts and flowers.

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 Our ice cream social included sprinkles, chocolate syrup and gummy bears!

 Valentine's Day in First Grade -- what can be better!!

Author Visit: Henry Cole

 Our students were in for a very special treat this week when we were visited by a very special author and illustrator Henry Cole.  Some of the books he illustrated include: 

• Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1997)
• Four Famished Foxes and Fosdyke by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1997)
• Warthogs in the Kitchen by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Livingstone Mouse by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Some Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1998)
• Wacky Wedding: A Book of Alphabet Antics by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1999)
• Ed and Fred Flea by Pamela Duncan Edwards (1999)
• Little Bo by Julie Andrews Edwards (1999)
• Moosestache by Margie Palatini (2000)

He told the story of being a little boy and getting the best present ever -- pencils and drawing paper...and he has been drawing ever since. Mr. Cole played music and then drew a few pictures for the children.

 While the student's watched, Mr. Cole quickly sketched this alligator.

 Excitement was in the air as he was drawing.

This was his final sketch. He told the children to keep practicing what they love to do and never give up.

Bingo for our Readers to Leaders

 Every nine weeks, Mrs. Phillips celebrates the students reaching their 25 book goal by having an activity for all to enjoy. This quarter it was one of the children's favorite games to play - BINGO.

 Miss KK (our Media Specialist) had prizes lined up for our BINGO winners. The prizes included posters, books, pencils and bracelets.

 Mrs. Phillips loves calling out the BINGO picture clues. It was theme-related - pots, stirrers, chef's hats, and kitchen utensils.

 Miss KK was prepared for the onslaught of prize winners.

Looks like we have some winners.

A surprise visit from some players on the "Jacksonville Giants" basketball team during our BINGO game!!

100th Day is Worth Celebrating

 Today was the 100th day of school and a very exciting day for our First Graders. We have been tallying each day since the first day of school and talking about reaching the 100th day. Students brought in 100 items contained in water bottles to share with the class. They worked on 100 piece puzzles, played math games to reach 100, made 100 day trail mix, and made a necklace with 100 cereal pieces. We think it was a day worth celebrating!
  100th Day First Grade 2013 on PhotoPeach

Groundhog Gets A Say and More 2013

 On Friday, we were treated to an extra special "Fun Friday Treat" when Mrs. D. came in and read the children "Groundhog Gets a Say" by Pamela C. Swallow.  This is a fact-filled book that teaches the students about groundhogs including: How fast they can run, how loud they can whistle, and how many uses they have for their teeth.

 Afterward, there was a special pudding treat with some cute groundhog cookies popping out...I wonder if  these groundhogs saw their shadows.

 Well, according tot the real groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow so an early spring is on the way!